George Weah's Liberia and the Missing $60Million

The emergence of George Weah as President of Liberia was welcomed with fanfare and believe of a new dawn; but with authorities claiming that Liberian Bank notes worth $60 Million have disappeared, critics have found their voices.

According to the government of Liberia, two huge consignments of local currencies printed abroad valued at $60Million have disappeared. The consignments of money were reportedly brought into Liberia between November last year and August this year, the authorities claim.

The money, all local banknotes worth about $60m (£45.6m) could not be located by officials and thus an investigation has been opened to 'locate' them. The containers were placed under tight security escort in March this year and were to be sent to central bank.

Local media reports that the containers - with the money kept inside, was left at the port in the capital, Monrovia but cannot be found. This has drawn huge criticism to the George Weah's led government with many saying this is the latest proof that he has indeed been embezzling public funds.

You will recall that some critics raised concerns earlier in the year when President Weah honoured his former coach at Arsenal Football Club, Arsene Wenger with one of the highest honour in Liberia. The critics claimed that the coach was undeserving of the award since he did not contribute anything directly to Liberia or Africa.

The Liberian government is reported to be unable to account for the the consignments that came through the international airport.

The African Exponent Weekly

Every week, get a digest of Top African News and Articles from The African Exponent.

Although Liberia’s minister of Information - Eugene Nagbe quickly took to the media through the state radio to exonerate the President, saying George Weah, is “unhappy” and that he only got to know of the issue when the banknotes could not be found; many critics still found it hard to believe.

Police are yet to make any arrests over the issue but government is calling for calm among citizens.

President Weah took over in January this year promising to deal with corruption and fix the country’s ailing economy. The citizens of Liberia love and believe in their president and it will be a good signal if he solves missing Bank notes issue as soon as possible.